PIA Press Release2006/10/28

Davao Norte eyes more civilian auxies

TAGUM CITY (28 October) -- The Provincial Peace and Order Council of Davao del Norte in a recently held meeting came up with a resolution asking President Gloria Macagal-Arroyo to allot a bulk share of the newly approved 8,000 slots for civilian auxiliary forces.

The resolution was an offshoot to suggestions of Brig Gen Carlos Holganza, commanding officer of the 1001st Infantry Brigade, who egged on the provincial government to "jump a gun" on the additional slots for recruitment of civilian active auxiliary or civilian armed forces geographical units (CAFGUs).

Holganza cited some reasons that would merit Davao del Norte to have more members of the civilian armed forces saying the province has become bases of many New People's Army (NPA) fronts.

In his presentation during the PPOC meeting, Holganza bared that six NPA committee fronts are operating in the province under the umbrella Pulang Bagani Command of Kumander Parago.

The military had monitored a number of activities that the NPAs are undertaking, most of which are violent ones such as armed liquidation, agaw armas, harassment and sabotage of critical facilities.

The NPAs were also into extortion activities and they were also found conducting training and community organizing. Holganza told PPOC members composed of local government executives and municipal and provincial officials of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Holganza also rallied the public to support the military and the police in the intensified fight against insurgency and terrorism.

He counted on barangay tanods and civilian volunteers as a force to reckon with in protecting communities because "they bring a multiplier effect", in support of the armed forces and police authorities.

Brig Gen Holganza will discuss with the media during the Kapihan sa Kapitolyo on November 2 at the Provincial Capitol regarding the peace and order condition of his area of responsibility. (PIA XI/JMDA) [top]